Mazda 6 2.2 CRTD 163 CV Sportive, test drive (Part III)

To finish the test drive of the Mazda 6, we now have the equipment section, prices and our overall assessment of the model. As you know, we tested a Mazda 6 equipped with the 2.2 CRTD 163 CV engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. If you want to know more about how it behaves or about this engine, you can see the first part of the test.

In the second part of the test, we focused on the design, which is important for Mazda models since the sporty and anything but classic design of the Mazda 6 is undeniable, something that, on the other hand, sets it apart from the rest of the saloons in the segment.

Another strong point of the Mazda is its equipment, since as imported models they usually come with fixed packs and fewer options than European models, but this has a good side: they normally come with quite complete equipment. In fact, our unit was a Sportive (the top of the range) and had practically all the elements typical of a premium saloon.

Equipment

But before focusing on the comfort equipment of the Mazda 6, we always start by reviewing the safety equipment to see what features this saloon comes with as standard from the base trim. From the base Active trim, it already has multiple airbags (front, side and curtain), stability control, traction control, ABS, or fog lights. Therefore, we are looking at a vehicle with good safety standards that has achieved five stars in Euro NCAP tests.

In addition, within the safety equipment, the Style+ and Sportive trims include blind spot warning, a system we already saw on the Mazda CX-7, and which is undoubtedly something we are used to seeing on premium saloons. Thanks to this system, when we switch on the indicator to change lanes, if it detects a vehicle on that side and we don’t notice, the system emits a beep as well as lighting a warning light inside the mirror.

Continuing with the rest of the equipment, as mentioned, the Mazda models come with a fixed equipment level and extras cannot be ordered separately. For example, if you want satellite navigation you have to go to the top trim (the one in our test) with leather and xenon lights. Speaking of lights, the 2010 model debuted Bi-Xenon headlights with an adaptive front lighting system that works very well on poorly lit roads or areas with bends.

As for the rest of the equipment, it is structured into four levels: Active, Style, Style+ and Sportive. From the base trim we already have air conditioning, a CD-MP3 radio with six speakers, central locking, electric windows, cruise control, among other features, all for a starting price of 21,900 euros for the 120 CV petrol engine.

In our unit, the good sound system stands out, with a larger navigation screen than the CX-7’s combined with a BOSE sound system that sounds really good. It is only a pity that it does not have a USB port instead of an AUX port, which would allow us to get the most out of this good sound system. On the other hand, features such as the leather seats or the sunroof come as standard on our trim.

Prices

Our model was a Mazda 6 2.2 CRTD 163 CV manual with the Sportive trim, and its price was 33,025 euros. Taking into account all the standard equipment of the car and its 163 CV diesel engine, it is very well positioned in price compared with other saloons on the market with similar engines and equipment.

The full range of prices is as follows (5p):

• 1.8 Active 120CV 23,400 euros
• 1.8 Style 120CV 24,100 euros
• 2.0 Style 155CV 26,350 euros
• 2.0 Style+ 155CV 28,200 euros
• 2.0 Style+ 155CV Automatic 29,400 euros
• 2.5 Sportive 170CV 30,600 euros
• 2.2 CRTD Active 129CV 26,625 euros
• 2.2 CRTD Style 129CV 27,325 euros
• 2.2 CRTD Style 163CV 28,575 euros
• 2.2 CRTD Style+ 163CV 30,425 euros
• 2.2 CRTD Sportive 163CV 33,025 euros
• 2.2 CRTD Sportive 180CV 37,475 euros

Overall assessment

The Mazda 6 is a car for those who are not looking for the typical European saloon, and after the test we could see that its sportiness is not only in the design, as it performs with outstanding dynamism (always taking into account the dimensions and size of the car). Furthermore, the design once again stands out from other vehicles, and ultimately it is a different product.

The 163 CV diesel engine could improve in terms of consumption, because there are many engines from other brands (the 2.0 CDTI 160 CV from Opel, the 2.0 HDI 150 CV from PSA) that offer better consumption with similar performance, but this engine certainly stands out for its smoothness and meets our demands without complaint.

And finally, regarding equipment, as it is an imported model we have the issue of fixed equipment packs, so we cannot ask for just one extra; instead we have to move up to the next equipment level. But at least it comes quite complete both in base equipment and across the different levels, and having a 163 CV diesel engine and a trim on a par with a premium saloon with bi-xenon headlights, sunroof, leather, BOSE sound for 33,025 euros is not bad at all, and it improves on the prices of many European saloons with the same equipment and similar engine.

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Photos | David Taboada